Loving the World: Sharing the Jesus Way

Loving the World the Jesus Way

Watch the full sermon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqSLtKVXndc

Listen to the full sermon on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p2DmKmFMJ7zIezgDkOycr?si=7jIoxm11R82B7PzECQKHBA

You Were Made for More Than a Comfortable Pew

What if the most important thing Jesus ever asked of you wasn't about what happens inside the church walls — but what happens the moment you walk out the door?

For a long time, I thought being a good Christian meant showing up, singing the songs, putting something in the offering plate, and going home to live my regular life. Church was something I did — not something that completely changed how I moved through the world.

But then I sat with Matthew 28:18-20 long enough for it to actually sink in, and it rearranged everything I thought I knew about following Jesus.

"Jesus came near and said to them, 'All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" — Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB)

This isn't a polite suggestion. This is the marching orders of a King who holds all authority over heaven and earth — and He's talking to you and me. Let's figure out together what that actually means for how we live.

Jesus Is Lord of Everything — And That Changes Everything

Before Jesus gives the Great Commission, He makes something crystal clear: "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18, CSB). This is the risen King of kings declaring His rightful place over every corner of creation.

Here's why that matters for us: Jesus isn't just Lord of Sunday mornings. He's Lord of your Tuesday afternoon, your dinner table, your workplace, your neighborhood. He's a spiritual King who can overcome all evil and rule in the heart of every single person — from the person next door to someone on the other side of the globe.

And because He holds that authority, He has every right to send us out with a mission. He died for the sins of people from every nation, every background, every story. That cross wasn't just for the people who already look like us or live like us. The love of Jesus crosses every border we build.

"Go" Is Not Optional

I want to gently push back on something we've all probably felt at one point or another — the idea that sharing our faith is for the super-spiritual, the naturally outgoing, the ones who went to seminary. Friends, the word "Go" in the Great Commission is not an invitation for volunteers. It's a command to everyone who calls Jesus "Lord."

And here's the thing about commands from a loving King — they come wrapped in grace, not guilt. Jesus isn't standing over you with a clipboard, ready to mark you absent. He's walking with you, equipping you, and reminding you that you are not doing this alone.

Baptism, which Jesus connects to this command, is deeply significant here. It's not just a ritual. It's a public declaration — a symbol of your submission to Christ, your willingness to live God's way, and your identification with God's covenant people. When we're baptized, we're saying to the world: "I belong to Jesus." And belonging to Jesus means being sent by Jesus.

What Does It Actually Mean to Be a Disciple?

Let's talk about that word — disciple. Did you know the word "Christian" literally means "imitation of Christ"? Not admirer of Christ. Not occasional visitor to Christ's teachings. Imitator. That's a whole different level of commitment.

Jesus spells out what this looks like in Luke 14, and He doesn't sugarcoat it:

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters — yes, and even his own life — he cannot be my disciple." — Luke 14:26 (CSB)

Now before you close this article — Jesus isn't asking you to literally hate your family. He's using dramatic language to make a point about priority. A Christ-first mentality means He comes before everything — before your career goals, before your comfort, before your family's expectations, before your own plans for your life. Not because those things don't matter, but because when Jesus is truly Lord, everything else finds its proper place underneath that.

He continues in Luke 14:28-33 by talking about counting the cost. A builder doesn't start a tower without first calculating whether he can finish it. A king doesn't march into battle without assessing his chances. Following Jesus is the most worthwhile thing you will ever do — and it costs you your whole self. Give up your world to follow Him. That's not a bad deal when you realize what you're receiving in return.

Finally, He says in Luke 14:34-35 that we should be salt. And here's the thing about salt — it doesn't do anything useful sitting in the shaker. Salt has to make contact. You and I are meant to flavor every person we come in contact with the presence and love of Jesus. That doesn't happen from a safe distance.

The Fruit of a Committed Life

John 15:8 hits me right in the heart every time I read it:

"My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples." — John 15:8 (CSB)

God is glorified when your life produces fruit. Not perfect fruit. Not fruit produced from striving and white-knuckling your way through spiritual discipline. Fruit that grows naturally when you stay connected to Jesus, the Vine. Your commitment to following Him isn't just about your own spiritual health — it's a living testimony that points people back to the Father.

Follower of Jesus. Disciple. These words are meant to be synonyms. And discipleship always reproduces. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19 is to make disciples — to be a disciple maker. You can't give what you don't have, which is why your own daily walk with Jesus is the foundation of everything else.

You Are Not Alone in This

Maybe all of this feels overwhelming. Maybe you're thinking, "I'm not qualified for this. I don't know enough scripture. I don't have the right words." I want you to hear the last thing Jesus says in the Great Commission, because it's the part we rush past most often:

"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." — Matthew 28:20b (CSB)

He doesn't say "Go figure it out." He says, "Go — and I will be with you." Every step. Every conversation. Every moment of uncertainty. The same Jesus who holds all authority over heaven and earth is walking with you into every single place He sends you.

And notice that "Name" in verse 19 is singular — baptizing in the name (one name) of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is one. You have the fullness of God working on your behalf. You are not a lone soldier on a forgotten mission. You are a sent disciple backed by the authority of the Creator of the universe.

Here's what I want us to take away from this: The Great Commission isn't a program the church runs. It's the heartbeat of every believer. It's the reason we're still here — because God, in His love, chose to use people like you and me to carry the message of Jesus to people who need Him desperately.

You were not saved to sit. You were saved to be sent. Not because you have to earn your place — Jesus already settled that on the cross. But because you've been given something too good to keep to yourself.

Teach His ways to others. Show them repentance and the Lordship of Jesus. Learn as you go — you don't have to have it all figured out before you start. And rest in the promise that Jesus will always be with you. That's not a motivational phrase. That's a covenant promise from the King of kings.

You were made for more than a comfortable pew. You were made to go.

Your Plan of Action: Living the Great Commission

Real discipleship happens in the everyday. Here's how to start putting legs on what you've read:

DAILY PRACTICES

• Start each morning by surrendering the day to Jesus. Pray: "Lord, who do You want to reach through me today?" Make it a habit to open your eyes with a sent-people mentality.

• Read Matthew 28:18-20 and Luke 14:25-35 this week, slowly. Journal one thing that challenges you. Don't rush past the discomfort — that's often where growth is.

• Identify one person in your life who needs to encounter Jesus. Pray for them by name every day this week. Ask God to open a door for a natural conversation.

WEEKLY PRACTICES

• Have one intentional spiritual conversation each week — not a sermon, just honest sharing about what Jesus is doing in your life. Be a person whose faith is visible and accessible.

• Count the cost honestly. Ask yourself: "What is Jesus asking me to lay down right now?" Whether it's time, comfort, relationships, or ambitions — bring it to Him in prayer and trust His plan over your own.

MONTHLY PRACTICES

• Invest in someone else's discipleship. Invite a newer believer to coffee. Share what you're learning. You don't have to be an expert — just be someone a few steps further down the road who is willing to turn around and reach back.

• Evaluate your fruit. John 15:8 says God is glorified when you produce much fruit. Ask: "Is my life pointing people to Jesus? Is there evidence that I'm connected to the Vine?" If not, spend time examining what's getting between you and Him.

ONGOING COMMITMENT

• Live as salt — make contact. Choose to be present in spaces where people far from Jesus actually are. Your neighborhood, your workplace, your kid's sports league. You can't flavor what you never touch.

• Remind yourself daily of the promise: "I am with you always." When sharing your faith feels scary or you don't know what to say, remember — you are not going alone. The King of all authority goes with you every step of the way.

You were saved to be sent. Now go.

Blessings,

Donna